Derrek Shaffer consults with his attorney Keith Edwards on Wednesday before pleading not guilty to 19 counts, including six counts of rape, during his time working for CareyTown Preschool.(Photo: Chris Crook/Times Recorder)Buy Photo

ZANESVILLE - The CareyTown teacher indicted on 19 charges last week, including six counts of raping a child under the age of 10, is facing life in prison if convicted.

Derek Shaffer, 32, appeared in Muskingum County Common Pleas Court Wednesday morning for arraignment on six counts of kidnapping with sexual motivation specifications, six counts of gross sexual imposition, six counts of rape, and one count of pandering obscenity involving a minor. He plead not guilty to all the charges.

As Judge Mark Fleegle addressed Shaffer's arraignment, a family member cursed local media in the courtroom.

Fleegle continued bond at $1 million.

Shaffer was arrested on Aug. 9 and charged in municipal court with one count of rape. Judge William Joseph reduced the municipal bond of $1 million to a $50,000 bond, citing it was likely Shaffer's bond would be reviewed pending grand jury indictment. He was later indicted on 19 counts.

Shaffer's charges stem from an ongoing investigation into allegations from at least three children under the age of 10 at CareyTown Preschool.

CareyTown, located at 527 Pershing Road, is a preschool that offers child care as well, according to its website.

According to Assistant Prosecutor Ron Welch, CareyTown was aware of the investigation but still allowed Shaffer, who worked there for about 10 years, access to children in his job.

CareyTown officials have continually refused to comment, referring instead to the following statement published on social media on Aug. 10:

A month and a half ago we were made aware of an accusation made from a former family that attended here three years ago. At this time the employee was put on administrative leave. Upon his return he was always in the presence of a second adult at all times. It was not until last night we were made aware of the actual charge, after he had been arrested. We have been in continuous contact with State Licensing regarding this matter and have followed all of their directions. We have also fully cooperated with local law enforcement and child protective services throughout this investigation. We were not allowed to discuss that there was an investigation in progress because at that point it was only an accusation and not one of what the charge ended up being. CareyTown always has put the care and safety of the children first and will continue to do so.

Repeated requests for comment over the past few weeks have been refused by CareyTown Director Beverly Singleton, who would only state that she has been advised by her attorney to make no comments.